New features revealed for Grand Rapids fireworks celebration

MLive File PhotoFireworks light up the DeVos Place and the Grand River during Independence Day celebrations in Grand Rapids.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – As the second year of a three year commitment by Amway to sponsor the fireworks for the 4th of July celebration in downtown Grand Rapids draws near, details are emerging about changes to the event.

For the first time, two bridges will be used as pyrotechnic launching pads instead of just one. The 2012 celebration will utilize both the Gillett Pedestrian Bridge and Bridge Street Bridge.

“Two bridges, twice as much fun,” Ed Kettle, Executive Director of the event, said in a phone interview. “People who normally sit on the Bridge Street Bridge can now sit in the Ellis Parking lot on the north end of Ah-Nab-Awen Park.”

Kettle added, “There will be no parking in that lot and we’ve doubled the number of food vendors to four on the north end of the park while keeping the two on the south end.”

Also new to the event, limited handicap seating and parking for those in need of wheelchair access will be offered near the Gerald R. Ford Museum entrance. This area will be staffed by Disability Advocates of Kent County. To avoid road closures near the museum, attendees are being asked to arrive no later than 8p.m.

While Kettle couldn’t say if twice the bridges meant twice the fireworks, he did say the celebration will be bigger and brighter. “The estimated cost of the celebration is around $105,000,” Kettle said. “Amway is such a generous company in so many different ways. This is just a small example of what they do for the community. I hope people appreciate this. Many communities are losing celebrations due to lack of funding. It’s an expression of their pride of this community.”